How to Customize an Exhibitor Experience
- 1). Give exhibitors the chance to be featured in pre-event promotions. From getting a link to their website from your e-newsletter to including early bird sponsors' logos in your registration materials, allow exhibitors to showcase their brand and services before your event begins.
- 2). Create space options for exhibitors who may have large displays. Allow for larger space, premium placement and even times when they don't have to be at their boothS. Give them the opportunities to conduct stage presentations or do a specialty demonstration on the show floor. Let them know of the opportunities so if they choose them, they will be sure to have someone to man their booths at all times.
- 3). Give them the inside edge on your attendees. Map out trends of your attendees and their needs and provide this information to exhibitors who sign on board. Allow them to insert items in event bags or donate items to a silent auction, door prize or raffle.
- 4). Provide supplemental advertising opportunities for them to gain additional exposure. If you are marketing your event via television, radio or billboards, allow them to be included in the ad and/or to purchase their own ad at a discount, tagging that they will be at your event.
- 5). Allow exhibitors to sponsor specialty areas and projects. If you're hosting a conference, allow an exhibiting company to take over the ice cream social or company networking reception. Give them some face time as the emcee or have team members assist with scooping out ice cream. Devise ways that work for them to take ownership of that portion of the event. This also takes away expenses from your budget by having them take on a big sponsorship.
- 6). Thank them in program guides, a rolling video presentation screen or verbally. Be sure to thank all of your exhibitors by mentioning them during the event to give that extra bit of name recognition.
- 7). Send thank you cards to the attendees and include special offers from exhibitors. Ask exhibitors to create a deadlined offer that can be included in your send out that each attendee will receive when you tell them thank you for attending.